Once again, the world is made poorer by the loss of a wine legend. Steven Spurrier has died at the age of 79, as reported by various British media sources.
Spurrier was a British wine trader and wine critic. He achieved international fame in 1976 with the organisation of the "Judgement of Paris." In this competition, he had the best wines from France and the USA compete against each other. To the surprise of many - especially the French - the US wines won (Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, both 1973).
Spurrier started his apprenticeship at the traditional Christopher and Co. trading house in London in 1964. In 1971, he opened his own wine shop in Paris. Two years later, in 1973, he founded France's first private wine training school, the Académie du Vin, as well as Christie's auction house's training programme, The Christie's Wine Course, in 1982. Spurrier was also the author and co-author of several specialist works on wine.
Steven Spurrier died shortly before his 80th birthday at his home in Great Britain. aw
